I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, and the end of a historic reign exemplified by duty, humility and service to the Commonwealth.
I know you will join me in offering our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who have not only lost their Queen, figurehead and matriarch, but a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
For many of us, Queen Elizabeth II was the only monarch we have ever known, and will forever hold a special place in our hearts for her dedication, compassion and commitment to the people she served.
Norfolk Island has long-held a special connection to Queen Elizabeth II, who visited Australia sixteen times throughout her 70-year reign, with her visit to Norfolk Island in 1974 remaining a special memory for Her Majesty.
The National Australian flag, the Union Jack and the Norfolk Island flag will fly at half-mast for the next 10 days across Norfolk Island in honour of Her Majesty. More details about the Queen’s funeral and memorial will be shared by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as they become available.
While I am currently off-Island, I invite all members of the Norfolk Island community to lay flowers, wreaths and memoriums at the base of the flag pole in Government House, to acknowledge and pay respect to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Office of the Administrator is able to receive letters of condolence from the Norfolk Island community either by hand or email. These messages will then be provided to Buckingham Palace. Messages of condolence can also be left on the parliamentary and Governor General’s websites.
While this is a time of mourning, it is also a time of celebration and remembrance for the life of a woman and a Queen who left an indelible mark on us all.
May she rest in eternal peace, and may God Save the King.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
9 September 2022